Man arrested for stealing tools

MANITOWOC – A 27-year-old Manitowoc man was arrested early Monday after allegedly burglarizing a residence.

Manitowoc police officers responded to the area of New York Avenue and 13th Street at about 1 a.m. for a report of a suspicious person walking up and down the alleys.

According to a police incident report, officers observed a parked vehicle and a person standing near the bushes in an alley.

Police made contact with a man wearing all dark clothing who said he was looking for a friend to discuss watching his dog in a few weeks. The man could not provide the last name, address or phone number of the friend.

He told police he and the friend he was supposed meet were both unemployed, which is why they were getting together so late.

Officers found power tools lying in the grass near the bushes, from where the 27-year-old had just come. He told police he had noticed the items while walking and placed them near the alley so the owner would see them.

The man consented to a vehicle search in which officers found a cordless drill and drill-bit set, tool box with various tools, jig saw and battery charger.

Police searched the area and found an open garage in the 900 block of North 13th Street where construction work had been taking place. Sawdust covered the ground of the garage.

When police asked to see the man’s shoes, a similar substance was found on them.

The homeowner was contacted and identified some of the items found laying in the grass and in the suspect’s vehicle as his.

Police arrested the man, who later admitted to trying to enter multiple garages. Other items believed to be stolen were confiscated and taken to the Manitowoc Police Department.